Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all “public bodies” in the state. A person may ask to inspect, copy or receive a copy of a public record. There are no qualifications such as residency or age that must be met in order to make a request. However, prisoners in state, county or federal correctional facilities are not entitled to make requests.

A request must be made in writing and provided to the FOIA coordinator of the public body. A FOIA coordinator may designate another individual to act on his or her behalf to accept requests for processing.

Not more than five business days after receiving a request, the public body must respond to a request for a public record. The public agency can, notify the requester in writing and extend the time for an additional ten business days.

Investigating records compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that disclosure as a public record would do any of the following:

Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial administrative adjudication

Disclose law enforcement investigative techniques or procedures

Disclose the identity of a confidential source or, if the record is compiled by a criminal law enforcement agency in the course of a criminal investigation, disclose confidential information furnished only by a confidential source

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